Hepatitis is a medical condition that affects the liver, causing inflammation and damage to liver cells. As we know, liver is a vital organ of our body responsible for filtering blood, supporting immune function, storing energy, producing bile and digestive enzymes, and processing nutrients and waste. So, it’s important to take care of the liver for overall well-being and to prevent hepatitis. Let’s explore in detail what causes hepatitis, symptoms, types of hepatitis and diagnosis.
Hepatitis: Causes
Well, the major cause of hepatitis is viruses (infectious) or due to some other factors (non-infectious).
Now, let’s know about the infectious and non-infectious causes of hepatitis.
Infectious causes and Types of hepatitis
Hepatitis A is caused by an infection with hepatitis A virus (HAV). Moreover, this virus is commonly spread through contaminated food and water, close contact with an infected person,
Hepatitis B infection is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It is transmitted through body fluids such as blood, semen and vaginal fluids. Moreover, this virus can be spread by sexual contact, having unprotected sex with someone infected, sharing of needles, infected women can spread the virus to their babies during childbirth, tattooing, body piercing and sharing of razor that is contaminated with infected blood.
Hepatitis C infection is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). It is spread through contact with contaminated blood. In addition, the virus is spread by needle sharing, sexual contact, blood transfusion.
Hepatitis D infection is caused by hepatitis D virus (HDV). It is spread through contact with infected blood. Moreover, it only affects those already infected with HBV.
Hepatitis E infection is caused by hepatitis E virus (HEV). Moreover, it is spread through contaminated food and water.
Non- infectious causes
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Autoimmune diseases
- Certain medications
- Toxins such as drugs or chemicals
Hepatitis: Symptoms
The symptoms may include such as
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Pale stool
- Dark urine
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Jaundice
- Fever
How Do Doctors Diagnose Hepatitis?
Basically, to make a diagnosis your doctor will check your medical history to determine if you have any risk factors for infectious or non- infectious hepatitis. Also, if hepatitis is suspected, the type and severity may only be diagnosed through a laboratory test. The test includes:
- Liver function tests (LFTs): To determine how perfectly your liver works. This test uses blood samples. Moreover, blood tests can also detect viral antibodies, viral RNA OR DNA, liver enzymes, inflammatory markers such as CRP.
- Abdominal ultrasound: To take a close look at your liver and organs around it.
How can we prevent hepatitis?
Well, there are several ways to prevent hepatitis such as
- Get vaccinated
- Avoid sharing needles
- Practice safe sex
- Avoid contaminated food and water
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Avoid sharing personal items such as razors, toothbrushes etc
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Avoid close contact
- Use condoms
- Get regular checkups
Contact Treatians for your best treatment
We hope now you know the causes, symptoms, and types of hepatitis. Moreover, the ways to prevent it. After identifying the symptoms it’s important to consult your doctor as soon as possible for the proper evaluation and treatment. Furthermore, individuals who are looking for treatment related to liver condition must contact treatians fot the best treatment at affordable prices.
